Page 31 of A Rogue to Reform

With another nod, he bid them farewell and walked out.

“You like him,” Felicity said, a wide smile spreading across her face. “You are enamored with Miles Johnstone.”

Hannah rolled her eyes. “Honestly, who isn’t? The man is absolutely beautiful.” Her right shoulder lifted and lowered. “It is not as if he’d ever notice me. Besides, with my family’s standing, I could never aspire to a man like him.”

“Hmm, I wonder.” Felicity slid a look to the door. “I wonder who we can match you with.”

*

Feeling restless, Felicity walked through the garden just outside the family parlor. Her mind remained on the conversation with Hannah. Her friend had suggested that it could be possible she’d fallen in love with Evan.

Love? If that was true, she had to do something immediately to stop her emotions. The last thing she needed was to feel enamored with a rogue like Evan Macleod.

A cat hopped atop the wall that ran along the east side of the property. The rascal belonged to a couple who lived nearby. The black and white cat visited often, possibly because Ana fed it.

Its yellow eyes glanced at her, then finding her inadequate, the feline jumped gracefully and rushed to the kitchen door.

Felicity followed its progress and then settled back in a chair and let out a sigh as the sun warmed her skin.

A picture of Evan’s face formed, and she allowed her eyelids to fall. The way his arms had felt around her was something she’d never forget. The press of his lips over hers, the way he’d pulled her against him.

“Oh my,” Felicity said. Her eyes flew open and she fanned her face. The sun was a bit too warm.

Chapter Eight

“I do not believe her,” Sorcha repeated, lifting a brow. “Why was Felicity Murray really here?”

The morning had turned to afternoon and still the woman insisted on rehashing the same conversation. In truth, Evan did not care what she thought. However, heeding his brother’s advice, he tried to tread carefully.

“Her brother lives here. She came seeking him out.”

“Why would she call you a cad then?”

Of course he wished to tell her the truth about the kiss and perhaps it would send her away. However, he wasn’t about to say something that could bring some sort of retribution on Felicity.

“Felicity, Grant, and I have been friends since childhood, and we are always at odds over one thing or another. I am sure it has something to do with the fact that Grant and I have failed to do something. It is never a serious matter with Felicity.”

To his astonishment, Sorcha seemed to believe him. “I did not come here to speak about the lass. Instead, I wanted to speak to you about the trip. I am to meet with several others who plan to go. I will purchase passage for two.”

“There is a venture that other business partners and I are about to embark on. I am working tirelessly to come up with my portion of the capital. It is impossible for me to travel at the moment. I have business to see to.”

Sorcha shrugged. “What is the amount you need? I would not mind being part of this venture if it will be turning a profit.”

“The people involved are the only ones contributing, I’m afraid.” He was on the brink of acquiring the money. He was sure the amount would not be a hardship for Sorcha.

The woman studied him for a long moment. “I can gift you the money. Then you will be free to travel with me.”

Evan let out a breath. “That you enjoy my company so much is flattering.” He wasn’t sure how to proceed. On one hand, this was the plan. To use roguish charm to get the money to sponsor the ship. However, something did not sit right with him. This was surely the most inopportune time to grow a conscience.

“I cannot accept your generous offer.”

His stomach sunk and chest constricted to the point he wondered if he was having a heart attack. He must have turned pale because Sorcha’s eyes widened.

“Are you unwell?”

After several deep breaths, he regained composure. “I am. I just realized I am dreadfully late to meet with my father. Can I escort you somewhere?”

“I hope this is a way to come up with the money so you can accompany me.” Sorcha lifted on her toes and placed a kiss to his lips. “My carriage awaits. Come to see me tomorrow night.”